Colombia

Colombia's Constitutional Court overturned a 2001 law that gave the federal government ultimate say over where mining projects took place. It's a victory for local communities, but with the government in need of billions to bank roll peace programs, can it last?

The accord ending the longest-running conflict in the Americas still needs to be signed and put to a nationwide vote. Despite concerns over concessions to the FARC rebels, support for the deal has been increasing.

While the international community celebrates the impending end to 52 years of conflict between the government and FARC rebels, many in Colombia are more skeptical than optimistic, with some going so far as to oppose the entire peace deal.

FARC rebels kidnapped the general and two others, putting in jeopardy a two-year peace process. It is the first time in 50 years of conflict that the group has captured such a high-level military figure.

Indigenous groups in Colombia have the right to mete out their own justice. The Nasa of southwestern Colombia are often caught in the crossfire between guerrillas, the military, and criminal groups, and a recent case has the community on edge.

Health ministers from several Latin American countries are meeting in Cuba today to discuss how to confront Ebola. A growing number of countries in the region are banning travelers from Ebola-stricken nations in West Africa.

Colombia is working hard to shed its image as a war-torn drug haven, and it's emerged as a regional tourism destination. But it's undergoing a more subtle shift as well, building a reputation as an LGBT-friendly hotspot.

A 2006 demobilization of Colombia's feared right-wing militias hinged on limited jail times for those who confessed their crimes. The government and FARC rebels are holding peace talks to end five decades of civil war.